Richard Harpin

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Name: Richard Harpin

York: 1982-1986

Degree: Economics

Company: Homeserve

Website: www.homeserve.com

Why did you choose York?

"Because it was close to my home in Northumberland and did the course I wanted. At the time my fishing tackle business was up and running so I needed to be close in order to be able to go home and check up on that."

What did you gain from York that you've since found useful in your career?

"Economics degree first and foremost, my dissertation was about how manufacturing firms determine prices, from which I learnt an important fact about pricing products - i.e. work out how much it costs to produce, then add your profit margin. I was determined then that I would do it the other way round. I wanted to work out what people would pay and charge it, then find an underwriter willing to cover the risk of the plumber's bills and how many likely claims there would be. For example, If customers paid £50 a year then the underwriters would get x% of the £50. Five underwriters said no, but eventually one said yes, and we are still working together now."

Anything you wish you had done with hindsight?

"Not really, I had a very good time at university. I was social sec of Wentworth, and was on the SU Entertainment Committee as well, I think I was the person who originally brought blind date to the university! It was as successful then as I guess it is now!"

Briefly describe your career progression once you left York.

Throughout my degree I actually intended to go into accountancy and even had a job offer from Deloitte in my 3rd year. But instead I successfully applied for a marketing position with Proctor and Gamble. I ended up working on several brands from Fairy liquid to Vortex bleach, ending up as brand manager! After a couple of years I left Procter and Gamble to become a management consultant with Deloitte for a year before he set up his own consultancy with a colleague from Deloitte, which is when I came up with the idea for Homeserve - Directly mailed, water company branded plumbing insurance. From there my career has really been about getting backing, and making the idea reality.

Would you say your success is due to Luck or Judgement?

"Phillip Green said - its funny how the harder you work the luckier you get. I'm a firm believer that you create your own luck and it's about the planning and the hard work. In doing this you get into the right place at the right time to take the opportunity."

What has been the biggest difficulty you've had to overcome?

"The time when Homeserve was still being established and was £5000,000 in the red. South Staffordshire Water were going to pull out, even my friends were telling me to leave it. But I knew they were all wrong, and I knew it could work, so I carried on, sent the first trial of 1000 letters and we never looked back."

What do you think are your personal qualities that have led to your success?

"Vision. I know where I want to go. Ideas, because although its not all about the original idea, I am creative enough to see how to take the original idea forward and build on it. And finally, determination, the ability to find your way past any blocks you may have in your path."

What is your best advice to current students at York?

"Go and work for a 'blue chip' large company for at least your first three years post graduation. Then consider looking for an opportunity of your own. At least then you have some good training first."